The House of Representatives and the Senate passed House Bill 2528 during the last legislative session. Gov. Rick Perry signed the bill, authored by state Rep. Patricia Harless, R-Spring, on June 17, making it effective immediately. The legislation amended the state’s water code to allow water districts located in unincorporated areas of Harris County to accept donations via water bills. The donations must be used by nonprofit organizations that provide economic development programs that help preserve property values. Municipal District Services Vice President Rebecca Marcucci said she was not aware of any Katy MUDs that were putting the donation line on water bills just yet. "We've started to hear about it in different utility district board meetings," Marcucci said. Municipal District Services is one of approximately 10 operating companies in the Houston area that has MUD clients in the Katy area, she said. "I'm not aware that many districts that were able to meet to discuss that," Marcucci said. She said MUD board of directors usually only meet about once a month and may not have had the opportunity to be approached by any nonprofit economic development organizations asking for a contribution line for them on the bill. Additional reporting by Bethany Knipp